Updated at 1:48 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Hawaii Army National Guard helps fight Waialua fire
Advertiser Staff
The Hawaii Army National Guard is aiding in the effort to put out the Waialua brushfire, officials said.Soldiers who were placed on active duty in preparation for Hurricane Flossie have been reassigned to help fight the blaze, which has already burned more than 6,700 acres.
On Tuesday, two Chinook helicopters from Wheeler Army Airfield put in 9.4 hours of flight time battling the blaze. The Chinooks made 87 water drops equaling 174,000 gallons.
The heavy lift aircraft carries a bucket capable of holding 2,000 gallons of water.
The helicopters are supported by 24 people including air and ground crews, maintenance support, flight operations specialists and refueling crews.
